Pokhara University

Faculty of Science and Technology

Course Code: CMP 344 (3 Credits) Full marks: 100

Course title: Computer Networks (3-1-2) Pass marks: 45
Nature of the course: Theory & Practical Total periods: 45
Level: Bachelor Program: BE

1. Course Description
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic taxonomy and terminology of the
computer. It aims to provide an understanding about the operation of layer-wise network
communication, various addressing mechanisms, routing algorithms, network management &
security in the computer network and overview of server configuration for complete networking
systems.

2. General Objectives
The course is designed with the following objectives:
➔ To acquaint the students with the computer networking concepts, including fundamental
principles, terminology, and architecture.
➔ To make the students familiar with the various network models and protocols at different
layers, understanding their roles, functions, and how they enable communication between
devices.
➔ To expose the students to key concepts in network security, including strategies to protect data
integrity, confidentiality, and availability, and to mitigate threats like hacking and data
breaches.
➔ To equip the students with the practical skills to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot
networks, including the use of networking tools, hardware, and software.

3. Contents in Detail

Specific Objectives Contents

● The student will be able to Unit I: Introduction to Computer Network (3 hrs)
understand the computer 1.1 Definition, merits, Demerits
networking concepts, including 1.2 Network Models
fundamental principles, 1.2.1 PAN, LAN, Campus Area Network (CAN),
terminology, and architecture. MAN, Country Area Network (CAN*), WAN, GAN
1.2.2 Topological Models (star, bus, distributed bus,
mesh, tree, hybrid, ring)
1.2.3 Client/Server, Peer-to-Peer
1.3 ISPs, NSPs Overview and Backbone of Networking
1.4 Recent Trends in Telecom Technologies:
2G/3G/4G/5G.

● Understand the layered Unit II: Reference Model (4 hrs)

approach to networking and the 2.1 Protocols and Standards
various network connecting 2.2 Interfaces and Services
devices 2.3 OSI Layers
2.4 TCP/IP Layers
2.5 Comparison between OSI and TCP/IP
2.6 Networking hardware: NIC, Hub, Repeater, Switches,
Bridge, Router, Gateway
● Understand how the Physical Unit III: Physical Layer (4 hrs)
Layer establishes the 3.1 Guided Media: Copper, Fiber cabling and its capacity
foundation for all subsequent standards
layers of the networking model, 3.2 Unguided Media: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN,
ensuring that data can be Satellite Communication Basics (Microwaves, Radio
physically transmitted between waves)
devices effectively and reliably. 3.3 Circuit/packet/message switching
● Alongside, students will learn 3.4 ISDN signaling and Architecture
about the various networking 3.5 Network Performance: Bandwidth, Throughput,
parameters Latency, Bandwidth-Delay Product, Jitter
● In this chapter the student will Unit IV: Data Link Layer (8 hrs)
learn how the data link layer 4.1 LLC and MAC sub-layer overview
provides reliable data transfer 4.2 Physical (MAC) addressing overview
across a physical network link 4.3 Framing
by handling error detection, 4.4 Flow Control (stop and wait, go-back-N, selective-
frame synchronization, and repeat-request)
flow control between directly 4.5 Error Control Mechanism
connected devices. 4.5.1 Error Detection: Parity Check, CRC
4.5.2 Error Correction: Hamming Code
4.6 Channel Access
4.6.1 ALOHA Systems
4.6.2 CSMA, CSMA/CD
4.7 802.3 Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
4.8 802.4 Token Bus, 802.5 Token Ring
4.9 Virtual Circuit Switching: Frame Relay, ATM and
X.25

● Gain a good understanding of Unit V: Network Layer Protocols and Addressing

Internet Layer Protocol for (8hrs)
ensuring that data packets are 5.1 Logical Addressing
correctly routed and delivered 5.1.1 IPV4 addressing, subnetting, supernetting,
across networks, using IP CIDR, VLSM
addresses. 5.1.2 IPV6 addressing overview
5.1.3 IPV4 and IPV6 header protocol format
5.1.4 IPV4 and IPV6 feature comparison
5.2 Routing Algorithm Overview
5.2.1 Classful and Classless Routing
5.2.2 Adaptive and non-adaptive Routing
5.2.3 Distance vector and Link-state routing
5.2.4 Interior and exterior routing
5.2.5 Unicast and multicast routing
5.2.6 Routing Algorithms: RIP, OSPF, BGP
5.3 NAT
● Understand the concept of Unit VI: Transport Layer and Protocols (4 hrs)
transport layer protocol to 6.1 Port addressing overview
ensure reliable and efficient 6.2 Process to process delivery: multiplexing and
data transfer between devices demultiplexing
by managing end-to-end 6.3 TCP services, features, segment headers, well known
communication. ports & Handshaking
6.4 UDP services, features, segment headers, well known
ports
6.5 Concept of socket programming: TCP and UDP
socket
 ● In this chapter, the students will Unit VII: Congestion Control and Quality of Services
learn the traffic shaping (3 hrs)
algorithms used in computer 7.1 Congestion Control: Open Loop and Closed Loop
networks to control the amount 7.2 Traffic Shaping (Leaky bucket and Token bucket)
and rate of data transmission, 7.3 TCP Congestion Control
helping to manage congestion
and ensure QOS.
● Learn how the Application Unit VIII: Application Layer, Servers and Protocols
Server Protocols facilitates (4 hrs)
communication between the 8.1 Domain addressing, DNS server and Queries
application server and client 8.2 HTTP, FTP & proxy server overview
devices, ensuring the efficient, 8.3 DHCP Principles
secure, and reliable delivery of 8.4 Email Server Protocols: SMTP, POP, IMAP
application services.
● Here the student will learn how Unit IX: Network Management and Security
to protect the network and its (7 hrs)
data from unauthorized access, 9.1 Introduction to Network Management
attacks, and breaches - ensuring 9.2 Principles of Cryptography (Symmetric Key: DES,
confidentiality, integrity, and Asymmetric key: RSA)
availability of information. 9.3 Key Exchange Protocols (Diffie-Hellman, Kerberos)
9.4 VPN
9.5 Overview of IP Security
9.6 Firewall, Digital Certificate
9.7 Next Generation Network (NGN)

Note: The figures in the parentheses indicate the approximate periods for the respective units.

4. Methods of Instruction
Lecture, Tutorials, Discussions and Assignments
 5. List of Tutorials
The following tutorial activities of 15 hours per group of maximum 24 students should be conducted
to cover all the required contents of this course.

S.N. Tutorials
1 Error Detection and Correction Methods, Parity ,CRC and Hamming code
2 Subnetting
3 Leaky Bucket and Token Bucket/ Queuing Delay Numericals
4 RSA and cryptography Numerical

6. Practical Works

S.N. Practical works

1 Network commands testing: ping-pong, netstat, nslookup, ipconfig/ifconfig,
tracert/traceroute.
2 Setting up Client/Server network system in Microsoft and Linux environment
3 UTP CAT6 cabling: Straight and Cross wiring, testing and verification
4 Internet Packet header analysis using TCPDUMP/WIRESHARK Formatted: Not Raised by / Lowered by , Not Highlight
5 Router Configuration use of packet tracer or other simulator software
6 OSPF configuration and practices
7 VLAN And Router on stick method
8 Web, Proxy, FTP server configuration
9 Implementation of Router ACL, Proxy Firewall, IPTables
10 Case Study: Network Design Standards (eg: building network design with servers
including NCR

7. Evaluation system and Students’ Responsibilities

Evaluation System
In addition to the formal exam(s) conducted by the Office of the Controller of Examination of
Pokhara University, the internal evaluation of a student may consist of class attendance, class
participation, quizzes, assignments, presentations, written exams, etc. The tabular presentation of the
evaluation system is as follows.

Internal Evaluation Weight Marks External Evaluation Marks

Theory 30
Class attendance and participation 10%
Assignments 20%
Quizzes/ presentations 10%
Internal Term Exam 60% Semester End 50
Practical 20 Examination
Attendance and class participation 10%
Lab Report/Project Work 20%
Practical Exam/Project Work 40%
Viva 30%
Total Internal 50
Full Marks = 50 +50 =100

Students’ Responsibilities:
Each student must secure at least 45% marks in the internal evaluation with 80% attendance in the
class to appear in the Semester End Examination. Failing to obtain such a score will be given NOT
QUALIFIED (NQ) and the student will not be eligible to appear in the End-Term examinations.
Students are advised to attend all the classes and complete all the assignments within the specified
time period. Students are required to complete all the requirements defined for the completion of the
course

8. Prescribed Books and References

Text Book
1. “Computer Networks”, 4th Edition, A. S. Tanenbaum, Pearson Education.
2. “Data Communications and Networking”, 5th Edition, Behrouz A. Forouzen, McGraw-Hills.

Reference Books
1. “Data & Computer Communications”, 7th Edition, William Stallings, Pearson Education.
2. “Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach”, James F. Kurose, K.W. Rose, 6th Edition,
Pearson Education.